11-day Camino Primitivo Cycling Holiday

Visit the Gothic Cathedral devoted to San Salvador, an important Saint to whom many pilgrims express devotion. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Oviedo’s charming historical centre, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, bodegas and cider bars. Accommodation in modern Hotel near the main train- & bus station and 10 min walk from historical centre.

In the morning you start cycling at San Salvador's Cathedral in Oviedo following the Jacobean copper shells through narrow lanes in the city centre, then out into the green Asturian countryside. Tarmac lanes, old footpaths and country roads take us past quiet villages and through hilly countryside If you have rented a bike, it will be delivered to your hotel in Oviedo

Challenge: 25 km / 16 mi, 630 m ascent

Villages along the way: Oviedo, Escamplero, Peñaflor, Grado

Today's route begins with a challenge: 350 m ascent to get our of Grado and another 200 m before you arrive in Cornellana and San Salvador Monastery (11th century). From here you follow a more doable route along tarmac roads and narrow interior lanes (with a gradual  ascend). On the way is welcoming Salas, where you can visit the Museum of Prerromanic Art located in the old castle. Both tracks end in Tineo, a historically significant town on the Camino. Accommodation at a 4-star historical hotel in the centre of town. 

Challenge: 45 km / 28 mi, 1450 m ascent

Villages along the way: Grado, Cornellana, Salas, Tineo

Today you first visit the Romanesque church and Monastery of Obona. These monuments, partly in ruins, formed part of an important cultural and intellectual centre for centuries. From here a succession of small churches and chapels leads you up to Lavadoiro Pass (812 m), before you descend to Pola de Allande, a lovely little town with Asturian flavour. Accommodation at a good hotel** famous for its regional cuisine.

Challenge: 28 - 32 km / 17,5 - 20 mi, 765 / 945 m ascent

Villages along the way: Obona, Lavadoiro Pass, Pola de Allande

A tough day, since you have to climb 625 m this morning to reach Puerto del Palo. This pass, at 1146 m, divides the green, wooded area of Allande from the vast, more barren mountains to the south. Of course, you always have the option of walking your bike and enjoying the scenery! You then literally sail down 35 km to Lake Grandas, only to find that your destination is still 4 km further ahead… at the top of a hill! Grandas is a pleasant town with a Romanesque church and interesting ethnographic museum. Lodging in recently renovated 2-star hotel with a good regional fare.

Challenge: 39 km / 24 mi, 1423 m ascent 

Villages along the way: Grandas de Salime

Again you start the day in ascent, up to Alto del Acebo Pass (1030 m, 475 m up). Then you glide down into Fonsagrada. Optional detour to the intriguingly beautiful villages of San Martin and Santa Eulalia de Oscos, famous for their traditional architecture in dark slate. Once you cycle into Galicia, you leave the steep ascents and mountainous areas behind, moving into a gentle rural landscape, dotted with picturesque hamlets. Lodging at a cosy hotel * in the centre of this small mining town.

Challenge: 32 km / 20 mi, 1282 m ascent

Villages along the way: Alto del Acebo, (San Martín and Santa Eulalia de Oscos), Fonsagrada

A relatively long tour today, with lots of prolonged downhill sections and some short ascents. The easy riding allows you to truly enjoy the Galician countryside, with exquisite traditional architecture such as the ‘Pazos’ and ‘Casas Grandes’, well-preserved country homes on large estates, all impressive buildings in stone and wood. At the end of the day, you reach Lugo, where the town centre was declared a National Historical Monument in 1973, mostly due to the impressive 3rd century walls which merit a place on UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage List. There are several interesting buildings to be visited, including the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and Baroque town hall and Palace. Outside the walls, there are Roman baths at the naturalhot springs on the banks of the River Miño. Accommodation at a 3-star hotel in historical centre of Lugo.

Challenge: 60 km / 37 mi, 1220 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Lugo

This morning you have time to visit the major monuments in Lugo, and maybe do some shopping, before you get back on your bike for a relatively short ride. From Lugo onward, the Camino Primitivo merges with the more recent, but more popular French Route, somewhere between Palas de Rei and Melide. There are several routes to choose to reach Palas de Rei (32 km to 51 km). Accommodation with traditional Galician hospitality at a charming ‘casa grande’ in the country.

Challenge: 43 km / 27 mi, 940 m ascent. 

Villages along the way: Lugo, Palas de Rei

In the morning you can take your time, because today's route is short. You first take a short-cut to the Camino, past the Castle of Pambre. Then, in Coto, you suddenly find yourself joining many other pilgrims along the route, as everyone begins to feel the excitement as they near Santiago. Accommodation near the village of Arzúa, at one of these typical Pazos.

Challenge: 29 / 18 mi, 568 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Arzúa

On your last day you share the route, scenery and atmosphere with other pilgrims as you approach the Monte do Gozo (where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago) and then downhill to the St James Cathedral. Accommodation at a charming hotel in the centre. The afternoon is free to spend exploring Santiago.

Challenge: 40 km / 25 mi, 714 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast your cycling trip comes to an end.